Determination of traces of heavy metals in estuarine waters of Barbacoas Bay, Colombia, by X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

An evaluation of metal contamination in estuarine waters and shrimp culture systems was conducted using two analytical processes: soluble metals were examined by radioisotope x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (RIXRF) and soluble and insoluble metals by total reflection x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TRXRF). The soluble heavy metals determined were Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb and the soluble and insoluble metals were Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Pb. The highest average concentrations of 2.0 mg l-1 corresponded to Pb, Ti and Fe. The simple preparation of the sample and the direct use of TRXRF represents an efficient approach for the determination of heavy trace metals in highly contaminated estuarine waters. A rapid evaporation of the sample film was developed for TRXRF. Some hydrodynamic data are reported and discussed in terms of their influence on the study area.